by Lu -, Spillin’ the Beans
Everyone’s asking about coffee with health benefits. And, yes, quite a few options can be kinder to your system. But I want to introduce you to one that tastes like typical drip coffee that’s a hit with discriminating consumers. And, even though most are “probable” health benefits, there’s an undeniable one – lower caffeine.
What the heck am I talking about here?
>> Mushroom coffee!
Please don’t say yuck and exit the scene. Here’s why…
You’re not getting a cup of mushroom bits – nor are you sifting particles through your teeth. Most people who drink it regularly will tell you that it’s almost identical to drip coffee. My brother and nephew compare it to their go-to Keurig dark roast.
So, stick with me, and I’ll fill you in on the coffee with health benefits that won’t make you feel like you’re replacing your favorite morning brew.
Jump to:
One of the proven health benefits
Other potential coffee benefits
What is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee starts with an organic powder created by extracting and dehydrating adaptogenic mushrooms. The powder is combined with ground coffee beans in a 1-to-1 ratio, cutting the caffeine content in half.
Adaptogenic Mushrooms Produce Delicious Coffee with Health Benefits
Focusing on the word “adapt” in adaptogenic mushrooms makes it easy to remember what these mushrooms are, as adaptogens help your body adapt to stress.
These medicinal mushrooms are known for their ability to increase energy levels. They also help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve mood. Some people report improved physical performance and increased energy levels. Adaptogenic mushrooms can also help to enhance the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar levels.
A few of these medicinal mushrooms include:
Reishi
Chaga
Lion’s Mane
Cordyceps
Agaricus Blazei
Shiitake
Maitake
One of the Proven Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
Are you familiar with the term damp drinking? It’s a takeoff on dry January and a new way to describe moderate alcohol consumption.
You could think of mushroom coffee in the same vein. Unless you buy a decaffeinated blend, it still has caffeine – but only about half as much. That’s because the grounds include equal parts of medicinal or adaptogenic mushrooms and coffee beans.
However, it’s important to note that people who are especially sensitive to this psychoactive substance may still experience anxiety or other side effects even when drinking low doses.
Five Other Potential Advantages of Mushroom Coffee
1. Improved Cognitive Function
Mushroom coffee claims to improve focus, concentration, and overall cognitive function due to the presence of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The unique blend of natural stimulants found in mushroom coffee helps give users sustained energy throughout the day without the crash or jitters associated with traditional coffee.
Furthermore, studies have shown that certain types of mushrooms, like lion’s mane, can stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production. NGF is a protein that plays a vital role in learning and memory formation.
2. Reduced Stress Levels
Studies suggest that regular consumption of mushroom coffee could help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation through its calming effects on the body’s nervous system. The benefit is partly due to mushrooms’ adaptogenic properties, which help reduce cortisol levels and balance hormones.
Additionally, some ingredients in mushroom coffee may also contribute to a sense of tranquility by increasing serotonin levels within the body – one study even showed that consuming reishi mushroom extract could reduce stress-induced headaches.
3. Improved Immune System
Regular consumption of shiitake and reishi mushrooms has been linked to improved immune system health due to their high content of beta-glucan polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are potent compounds known for their anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Shiitake and reishi mushrooms are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, and B vitamins which all help support healthy immune function. Daily mushroom coffee consumption might provide an extra boost your body needs to fight off colds and other illnesses more quickly.
4. Healthy Digestion
Both shiitake and reishi mushrooms contain prebiotics which feed probiotics in the gut. Prebiotics promote healthy digestion by restoring balance in our digestive systems while supporting beneficial bacteria within our intestines.
5. Increased Energy Levels
Mushroom coffee increases energy levels naturally. So, the crash or jitters associated with traditional caffeine sources such as black or green tea or sodas/energy drinks can be significantly diminished. Achieving sustained energy throughout the day is mainly due to the natural stimulants in the product, like cordyceps Sinensis extract, which help stimulate cellular production.
Where To Buy Mushroom Coffee
You’ve got several supplier options if you’re ready to try mushroom coffee. I’ll provide a few Amazon picks at the bottom of this post, as they’re quick and convenient. But you might also want to check out a few other top suppliers.
Ryze Coffee
You’ll notice that Ryze Coffee gets high marks for its digestive benefits. It’s also the most convenient, especially if you travel or don’t have a coffee maker. Ryze comes in powdered form that you stir into hot water. Easy peasy, and only about $1 per serving.
Wunderground Coffee
If you live in Seattle, you can walk into a Wunderground and have a coffee with health benefits anytime you need a boost. But, for everyone else, Wunderground has a variety of coffee grounds they’ll ship to your door. You can pick specialties like Organic Brainchild or Super Immunity. Every bag notes the medicinal mushrooms used in the blend.
Four Sigmatic
It’s called self-care coffee by Four Sigmatic, so you feel like you’re doing something kind for yourself. Four Sigmatic’s mushroom coffee is a USDA organic blend. You can make a one-time purchase on the site or save $4 every time with subscribe and save.
Before You Try It
Although mushroom coffee may be an exciting thing to try, there are some downsides to consider.
The main downside is that human studies on its health effects are currently lacking. Most research studies focus on test tubes or animals, so it’s not as accurate.
Information regarding safe dosage, who might benefit from this product, or should avoid it, and whether medicinal mushrooms interact with medications is fuzzy. While reduced caffeine intake is a plus, there are still some safety concerns. So, it’s always wise to consult with your physician.
Exclusivity
Medicinal mushrooms are grown in natural habitats and are generally not commercially farmed. So, exclusivity affects the price, and mushroom coffee could be as much as double the price of regular coffee.
